MAG DIRECTORS WOULD INTRODUCE NEW POLICIES FOR THE NRMA

 Lobby for and and advocate for all road users all levels of government

 Financially support for and joint operations with other peak road user bodies

 Deliver Mutual insurance for all user groups as appropriate

THE NRMA HAS A UNIQUE AND SPECIAL ROLE

The NRMA is a peak road user association and lobby group.

It has amongst its members a large majority of private motor vehicle users in NSW, many of whom also drive commercially, all are pedestrians and many ride bicycles for leisure or as a means of regular transport.

It is essential that the NRMA be inclusive to ensure that pressure is brought to bear on governments and others in a balanced way to ensure that all road users are properly represented and that changes and sustainable improvements are directed in an holistic way for future generations.

ROAD SAFETY DEPENDS ON THE NEEDS OF ALL USERS

It is critical for all those involved with road planning and safety that future roads are designed with adequate provision to properly meet the needs of the various types of road users.

Road safety is a critical issue and requires amongst other things:

 The active promotion of "Equality of Interest" (of all road users) to underpin all aspects of road and traffic planning, usage, education, road rules etc to develop the attitude of mutual respect required for safe road usage.

 Comprehensive road user education to recognise the requirements and rights of different user groups

 Provision of roads with proper speed separation between users of significantly different velocity and weight groups: pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles, heavy vehicles; including where necessary the provision of separate roads and physical barriers.

 Provision of effective pick-up, set-down and through traffic lanes for taxis and public vehicles.

THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF CYCLISTS

 Many NRMA members are also cyclists and have a direct interest in seeing the NRMA represent their interests as motorists and cyclists.

 There are over a million bicycles sold annually in Australia, more than motor vehicles and the market is growing rapidly.

 The special needs of cyclists have been neglected.

 The interest of cyclists goes hand in hand with powered vehicle users and the roads they share.

 Bikes are back as motorists feel the price pinch at the pump. High fuel prices are here to stay. Shrinking reserves and surging prices have seen cycling become a sensible alternative for many journeys but Road safety is a growing issue.

 More and more Australians are cycling to work to save money and improve their fitness, physical and mental health. As more cyclists juggle for road space with motorists there is a greater risk for accidents.

 Our Roads need to be designed with adequate traffic separation to avoid clashes between motorists, cyclists and other road users. Road user groups need to work together rather focus on the satisfaction of their particular needs.

 The rapidly rising popularity of cycling as a means of transport and recreation underscores and brings into focus the needs of cyclists as road users.

 There is increasing awareness of the benefits of exercise and a healthy lifestyle , environmental impacts and energy sustainability in transport options.

 Much of the angst between cyclists and motorists has arisen because both groups have in the past seen themselves on opposite sides of the road

when it comes to a debate about road use and this attitude has shaped not only behaviour on the road but also led to a monocultural attitude when planning, designing and maintaining the roads we all share.

 The NRMA can do a great deal to bridge this gap by representing cyclists and motorists together...in fact all road users.

 MAG believes that only through a holistic approach will real progress be made.

 NRMA should work in conjunction with and financially support the peak cycling bodies in NSW (BNSW and CNSW)

which would provide a powerful force for effecting change across the community...for the benefit of all.